Consolidation of Soft Clay

This research investigates, experimentally and numerically, the three main factors that differentiate predictions based on Terzaghi's one-dimensional consolidation theory from those observed in the laboratory and field. These factors include 1) the non-uniqueness of the virgin compression line when the same soil specimen is subjected to different strain rates, 2) the effects of hydraulic gradient on consolidation behavior, and 3) the scaling effects based on Cv ratio [cv (-)/cv(log t)] from oedometer tests with varying drainage heights. This research is separated into two main parts including the experimental program and the numerical simulation program. The experimental program is set up to test the strain rate sensitivity, effects of hydraulic gradient on the consolidation behavior based on the Gradient-controlled Constant Rate of Strain (GCRS) tests, and the scaling effects on the oedometer tests. The tests are performed on two natural soils, Maine Blue clay (MBC) and San Francisco Bay mud (SBM). The numerical simulation programs focus on the simulation of the GCRS test to simulate the excess pore pressure distribution during th